By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
Four alleged dangerous illegal miners between the age of 26 and 57 are due to appear before Lulekani Magistrate’s Court on 24 June 2024 to face charges of Illegal mining, Contravention of the Precious Metals Act, contravention of the Immigration Act, Pointing of firearm, and unlawful possession of firearm.
The suspects were arrested at Matikoxikaya village during multi-disciplinary operation conducted by the Phalaborwa based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit assisted by the Mopani District Highway Patrol and Lulekani police on 21 June 2024.
According to Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the operation aimed to address the illegal mining activities in the affected areas within Limpopo.
Mmuroa said that during the operation, the team pounced on the suspects while busy refining gold. “One of the suspects produced firearms, and the shoutout ensued. He was short and sustained and transferred to the hospital for medical treatment.
“During the arrest, the police seized the following equipment:
– 1X 9mm pistol
– 2X Phendukas
– 2X Wheelbarrows
– 1X Electric motor
– 1X Grinder
– 2X Electric motors
– 2X Shovels
– Gold bearing materials
– 1X Welding machine
“Seized items are estimated to the value of fifty thousand rand (R50 000).
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are from Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Some of the foreign national suspects they don’t have documents to be in South Africa,” Mmuroa said.
The Hawks are busy with the investigation.
Mmuroa added that multi-disciplinary disruptive operations to address the illegal mining activities with Limpopo Province are still ongoing.
